Home > African Minerals – April 25 > MS1195 Kermesite

Kermesite - Sold


Kermesite is an oxysulfide of antimony, named by Beudant (1832) for its crimson color (after the Persian word qurmizq). While known from many loclaities worldwide, very few places produce centimeter sized crystals. This occurrence in Zimbabwe, as well as an unspecified locality in China, both produce the largest crystals and finest specimens. This is a fine specimen, consisting of two interpenetrating sprays of crystals. The longest crystal here is 3.2 cm. Kermesite is a very fragile mineral, and special handling may be necessary to deliver this specimen safely. Formerly in the collection of Rukin Jelks, a significant collector in southern Arizona. His label accompanies the specimen.